How do organizations communicate migrant health?

Discussions on migration health are now more relevant than ever, as the novel coronavirus continues to be a serious threat to global public health. While research on the importance of organizations in mobilizing collective actions for migrants are readily available, there is limited data on how organizations contribute to migration health at present.

In a paper published by DLSU’s Dr. Jan Michael Alexandre Bernadas of the Department of Communication, Dr. Carlos Piocos III of the Department of Literature, and Dr. Ron Vilog of the Department of International Studies, they explored the communicative processes of organizations working with Filipina migrants in Japan predominantly in the topic of health.

Their paper, titled “Communicative processes for health activism: the case of organizations working with Filipina migrants in Japan,” explored the definitions of and explanations for health organizations, their solutions to disease and illness, and the methods and tactics they use to communicate health.

Through the research, they found that non-government organizations and churches communicate health information to Filipina migrant workers in Japan through the use of face-to-face interaction as well as digital media. These organizations place strong emphasis on mental well-being aside from physical and spiritual health.

“This project attempts to help migrants in several ways. First, it hopes to create a space for migrants to talk about the various meanings of health. Second, it wishes to inform migrants about some of the ways they can ask for health assistance in their countries of destination. Lastly, it outlines the advantages and disadvantages of social media for health organizing,” Bernadas shares.

In light of the pandemic and the ongoing initiatives of governments and organizations to fight against COVID-19, this project may be helpful in understanding the role of NGOs and churches in promoting the health of migrants.

Bernadas explains that these organizations contribute to protecting the health of Filipino migrants by actively calling for an inclusive public health in their countries of destination.

The paper hopes to contribute to migration health literature and heighten the awareness of policy makers both from Japan and the Philippines in considering health implications of migration laws and labor conditions.

“Moreover, this project encourages policy makers to continue inviting NGOs, churches, and community media during discussions and to allow them to organize community advisory boards that will inform policy decisions,” he says.

Contact: Dr. Jan Michael Alexandre Bernadas | [email protected]